Ep 92: How to Combat Chronic Illnesses with an Anti-Diet, Intuitive Eating Approach

In this episode we’ll talk about our practice and approach, and we’ll address some of the diseases, illnesses, and conditions that we see in our clients. I bring registered dietitian, and our podcast content creator, Raegan Perkins, to the show. This is going to be an introductory episode to how intuitive eating can benefit people with a chronic illness- which will be followed up by more in-depth episodes dedicated to each illness.some of the chronic illnesses we mention include diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We also talk about gut health, eating disorders, and the impacts of socio-economics on health. We see people with all these health conditions who live in a variety of body sizes and shapes.We are a weight-inclusive, anti-diet, compassion-driven practice that helps our clients build a positive relationship to food, make peace with their body, and reconnect their lives to their values.By using Intuitive Eating (IE), we help clients avoid chronic dieting and help people living with chronic illness breakaway from restricting food to manage their symptoms. Our approachWe take an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach. A typical session with Raegan includes:“Did you know?” Statements.Hone in on what your body is trying to tell you.Rebuilding the relationship with food.Breaking away from the fear.It’s important to establish a more positive relationship with food. We try to neutralize “problematic” foods, and get people back to a state of enjoyment of those foods.“You are perfect exactly how you are, and the food that you want, you deserve. You should have it.”For more show notes, guest links, and episode resources please check out the One Small Bite home page. We’re coming up on our 100th episode, so send me some of your questions. Follow us on our social channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or send me a message me at my website. We truly hope you enjoy this show, and would love to hear what you think.Come and join our new One Small Bite Facebook community? Take part in the great conversation and become a member of a community that’s chopping diet culture, asking thought provoking questions about health at every size, and building positive relationships with food.If you like this episode, then download the show wherever you listen to podcasts Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, Google and hit that subscribe button so you won’t miss an episode. While you're there, let me know what nutrition or health topic you’d like me to cover or leave a review.Once again, I greatly appreciate you for listening and supporting my show. Remember, it really only takes One Small Bite over time to transform your life, so let’s – Chop the diet mentality; Fuel your body; and Nourish your soul!